Console with adjustable holder

ABSTRACT

An adjustable holder for receiving and securing a beverage container or other object includes a base, a mobile support unit, and an actuating assembly. The base has a support and the mobile support unit has a mobile support. The mobile support of the mobile support unit is mobile relative to the support of the base so as to provide an adjustable object-receiving area. The actuating assembly operates between a normally locked and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the actuating assembly prevents the mobile support from moving relative to the support of the base. In the unlocked position, the actuating assembly does not prevent the mobile support from moving relative to the support of the base. The actuating assembly is provided with a resilient element for applying an urging pressure so as to retain the actuating assembly in the locked position.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an article carrier specifically configured for transporting a container or object in a vehicle. Specifically, the present invention relates to an article carrier capable of adjustment for accommodating a range of sizes of object, generally fluid containers, where accommodating the range of sizes can be accomplished by providing opposing supports capable of adjustment for spanning a range of distances.

BACKGROUND

[0002] A variety of types of container holders, such as those used to hold beverage containers and cups, are known in the art for use in vehicles such as cars, vans, trucks, and boats. Many such holders provide a fixed support structure as a cup receiving area. Some of the fixed support structures have a single-diameter cup receiving area. Such a fixed support arrangement cannot accommodate larger diameter cups and provides limited support, if any, for smaller diameter cups. Other fixed support structures have telescoping or stepped support structures in an attempt to accommodate an array of cup diameters.

[0003] Other cup holders provide adjustable support structures that allow for varying the size of the cup receiving area. These include structures often incorporate operating mechanisms that require several operations on the part of a user in order to perform an adjustment. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,149,032 to Jones et al., dated Sept. 22, 1992, discloses an adjustable cup holder where a user makes an adjustment by first unlocking a ratcheting mechanism by pulling on a finger tab that unlocks the ratcheting mechanism. With the ratcheting mechanism unlocked, the user can resize the cup-receiving space by shifting a shifting unit. The user then pushes the finger tab to re-lock the ratcheting mechanism in order to insure the shifting unit stays in the position to which it has been shifted. Another example of an adjustable cup holder is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,194 to Jones et al., where a user makes an adjustment by operating opposing handles to reposition corresponding pins to appropriate notches in order to achieve a desired cup-receiving space. These and other prior adjustable cup holders often require the user's attention for performing an adjustment process that might require multiple steps or mechanically complex or cumbersome tasks. In some cases, failure to perform a step can leave the cup vulnerable to being dislodged or spilled.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an adjustable holder for cups and other objects is provided comprising a base having an upright support and a mobile support unit that is slideable along the base. The mobile support unit has a mobile support. The holder also comprises an actuating assembly having a resilient element. The actuating assembly is operable to be moved between a normally locked position and an unlocked position. The resilient element is provided for applying an urging pressure so as to retain the actuating assembly in the locked position. When the actuating assembly is in the locked position, it prevents sliding of the mobile support unit along the base. On the other hand, when the actuating assembly is in the unlocked position, the mobile support unit is allowed to slide along said base.

[0005] In order to adjust the holder, a user can press the actuating assembly against the force of the resilient element. With the actuating assembly depressed, the mobile support of the mobile support unit is free to move relative to the upright support of the base, thereby allowing adjustment of an object-receiving area. The user moves the mobile support unit to a desired position and then releases the actuating assembly. Upon releasing the actuating assembly, the resilient element causes the actuating assembly automatically rebound to the locking position, in turn causing the mobile support unit to be locked into the adjusted position.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the invention, the base can have a slot formed therein. A portion of the slot can be a toothed slot. The mobile support unit can be slidably fixed in this slot. The mobile support unit can include a mobile platform and a rail having a flange extending laterally therefrom, wherein the rail extends through the slot between the mobile platform and the flange.

[0007] Also according to an embodiment of the invention, the actuating assembly can have a locking terminal. The base can have a slot formed therein. In the locked position the locking terminal can be formed so as to mate with the slot in such a way that prevents the mobile support unit from sliding on or along the base. The mobile support unit can include an aperture, wherein the actuating assembly includes a locking arm extending through the aperture between the locking terminal and the resilient element. The resilient element can be retained about the locking arm between the aperture and a ceiling of the actuating assembly. The resilient element can be a spring. A portion of the slot can be a toothed slot. The locking terminal can have teeth suitable for mating with the toothed portion of the slot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0009]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a console comprising a pair of adjustable holders in accordance with the invention;

[0010]FIG. 2 is a an exploded perspective view of one of the adjustable holders of the console shown in FIG. 1;

[0011]FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views of a mobile support unit in accordance with the invention;

[0012]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an actuating assembly in accordance with the invention;

[0013]FIGS. 5A-5D are bottom perspective views of the adjustable holder shown in FIG. 2 as assembled showing various states of operation;

[0014]FIGS. 6A-6D are top perspective views of the adjustable holder shown in FIG. 2 as assembled corresponding respectively to the various states of operation shown in FIGS. 5A-5D; and

[0015]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an actuating assembly in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The present invention will now be discussed with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a console that incorporates an embodiment an adjustable holder of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a console 100 comprises a pair of adjustable holders 105, normally used for receiving cups, but also capable of receiving other miscellaneous items such as, for example, cell phones or other objects not containing other items or materials. It should be noted that the term “cup” as used herein is not intended to be limiting in any way such that any form of a beverage container or other object is excluded. Rather, the term “cup” as used herein is intended to include any of a variety of beverage containers, such as, for example, mugs, cans, glasses, bottles, and other known forms of containers. While such containers will normally be used to hold beverages, the containers may be objects themselves, such as cell phones, or may have content therein other than a beverage product.

[0017]FIG. 2 shows a exploded perspective view of one of the adjustable holders 105 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, major components of the adjustable holder 105 include a fixed base 110, a mobile support unit 120, and a push-button or actuating assembly 130. The fixed base 110 has a somewhat upright fixed support 112. Support 112 preferably defines a generally semi-cylindrical area as shown in FIG. 2 so as to partially surround the base of an object, such as a cup, placed in the adjustable holder 105. The fixed base 110 also has a slot 115 that includes a toothed intermediate portion 117. The slot 115 widens at one end thereof to form an aperture 118. The aperture 118 allows for the mobile support unit 120 to be attached to the fixed base 110.

[0018] The mobile support unit 120 is best shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. FIG. 3A shows a bottom perspective view of the mobile support unit 120. As shown in FIG. 3A, the mobile support unit 120 includes a pair of flanged members 150 and a toothed aperture 160. Each of the flanged members 150 has a central rail that extends in a longitudinal direction, and each rail has a pair of opposing flanges that extend in laterally therefrom. FIG. 3B shows a top perspective view of the mobile support unit 120. As shown in FIG. 3B, the mobile support unit further includes a mobile support 125, a mobile platform 127, and opposing actuating assembly guides 170. The toothed aperture 160 allows for the actuating assembly 130 to be attached to the mobile support unit 120. The actuating assembly guides 170 assist in maintaining the release assembly 130 in proper alignment.

[0019] The actuating assembly 130 is best shown in FIG. 4, wherein a top perspective view of the actuating assembly 130 is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 4, the actuating assembly 130 includes a locking arm 135 that extends downwardly from an actuating assembly shell 137. The locking arm 135 diverges into a catch 190 and a locking terminal 180. In this embodiment, the locking terminal 180 is toothed. The catch 190 is relatively flexible and can have a shape that is similar to a hook or a pawl. A spring 140 is disposed about the locking arm 135. The spring 140 can be substituted with any type of resilient element such as, for example, any type of component that is capable of readily returning to an original shape or position such as a coil, a leaf spring, a torsion spring, a substantially V-shaped spring, or a metal spring. The actuating shell 137 shown in FIG. 4 is configured in such a way so as to provide a ceiling for retaining the spring 140 on the locking arm 135. The actuating shell 137 is also of sufficient width to provide shoulders for engaging the release assembly guides 170 shown on the mobile support assembly 120. Finally, the actuating shell 137 serves to conceal portions of the actuating assembly 130 from a user.

[0020] Referring again to FIG. 2, the mobile support unit 120 can be attached to the base 110 by inserting each of the flanged members 150, in turn, into the aperture 118 such that the rails of the flanged members 150 extend through the slot 115 between their corresponding flanges and the mobile platform 127. This resulting assembly is shown in FIGS. 5A-5D, which illustrate bottom perspective views of the portion of the console 100 shown in FIG. 2 once assembled in varying positions. It will be noted that the broken line connecting the base 110 and the mobile support unit 120 in FIG. 2 can be traced from the aperture 118 to a forward one of the two flanged members 150. This forward one of the two flanged members 150 is first inserted in the aperture 118 such that its rail is disposed in and can be moved along the slot 115 towards the fixed support 112. Then, the remaining of the two flanged members 150 is aligned and inserted in the aperture 118 in the same manner as the first.

[0021] The actuating assembly 130 can be attached to the mobile support unit 120 by inserting the locking arm 135 into the toothed aperture 160 at least far enough for the catch 190 to pass through the toothed aperture 160. As the catch 190 passes through the toothed aperture 160, the width of the toothed aperture 160 causes the catch 190 to move towards the opposing portion of the locking arm 135. Once the catch 190 has passed through the toothed aperture 160, the catch 190 returns to its normal position. Since the catch 190 is designed in the form of a hook or a pawl, the actuating assembly 130 is consequently locked onto the mobile support unit 120.

[0022] When the actuating assembly 130 is duly assembled with the mobile support unit 120, the spring 140 is retained coaxially about the locking arm 135 between the shell 137 and the toothed aperture 160, where, preferably, spring 140 is of a length such that it is slightly compressed in an at rest position. When the actuating assembly 130, the mobile support unit 120, and the base 110 are all duly assembled, the locking arm 135 is of such a length that the locking terminal 180 is positioned at some point in the toothed portion of the slot 110 when the actuating assembly 130 is in an at rest position. This positioning can be seen, for example, in FIG. 5A, which shows a bottom perspective view of the duly assembled adjustable holder 105. In FIG. 5A it can be seen that the locking terminal 180 is positioned in the slot 115 so that its teeth align with and engage the teeth at a point in the toothed portion of the slot 115.

[0023] In order to adjust the adjustable holder 105, the actuating assembly 130 is pressed downwardly against the force of the spring 140, typically by a user's finger or thumb. With actuating assembly 130 depressed, the mobile support unit 120 is free to move along the slot 115. The user moves the mobile support unit 120 to a desired position and then releases the actuating assembly 130. Upon releasing the actuating assembly 130, the spring 140 causes the actuating assembly 130 to rebound, in turn causing the mobile support unit 120 to be locked into position.

[0024] The operation of the adjustable holder 105 is illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5D and 6A-6D. FIGS. 5A-5D provide bottom perspective views of the adjustable holder 105, and FIGS. 6A-6D provide top perspective views of the adjustable holder 105, where FIG. 6A is a top view of the bottom view shown in FIG. 5A, FIG. 6B is a top view of the bottom view shown in FIG. 5B, FIG. 6C is a top view of the bottom view shown in FIG. 5C, and FIG. 6D is a top view of the bottom view shown in FIG. 5D.

[0025]FIGS. 5A and 6A show the adjustable holder 105 in a condition such that the actuating assembly 130 is unactuated and a relatively large distance is spanned between the mobile support unit 120 and the fixed support 112, thus providing for an object, such as a cup, having a relatively large circumference. At this time, the mobile support unit 120 is locked in position. As shown in FIG. 5A, the locking terminal 180 of the locking arm 135 is positioned in the toothed portion of the slot 115. The locking terminal 180 is mated with the toothed portion of the slot 115 such that teeth of the locking terminal 180 engage the teeth of the toothed portion of the slot 115 so as to prevent movement of the locking terminal 180 along the slot 115. Since the locking terminal 180 is somewhat fixed in relation to the mobile support unit 120, the mobile support unit 120 is therefore locked in position. As shown in FIG. 6A, the shell 137 of the actuating assembly 130 is in its normal, unactuated position. At this time, the spring 140 preferably assumes its full normal length in an at rest position without providing any rebounding force.

[0026]FIGS. 5B and 6B show the adjustable holder 105 in a condition upon activation of the actuating assembly 130 where, for example, a user presses downwardly against the force of the spring 140 on the shell 137 of the actuating assembly 130. Comparing FIGS. 6A and 6B, it can be seen that in FIG. 6B the shell 137 has been moved or pressed downwardly relative to the fixed support 112. FIG. 5B shows an effect of pressing the actuating assembly 130. At this time, the locking terminal 180 is moved to a position where the teeth of the locking terminal 180 no longer engage the teeth of the toothed portion of the slot 115. Thus, the mobile support unit 120 is no longer prevented from moving along the slot 115.

[0027]FIGS. 5C and 6C show the adjustable holder 105 in a condition upon moving of the mobile support unit 120 in a direction as indicated by an arrow in each of the figures, the actuating assembly 130 remaining actuated as necessary for such movement. As shown in FIG. 6C, as the mobile support unit 120 is moved, a distance spanned between the mobile support unit 120 and the fixed support 112 is consequently varied, thus providing adjustment for receiving and holding in place an object, such as a cup. As shown in FIG. 5C, like in FIG. 5B, while the actuating assembly 130 remains actuated due to pressure by a user or otherwise, the locking terminal 180 remains out of alignment with the toothed portion of the slot 115 allowing for the movement of the mobile support unit 120. In this example, adjustment is being made, from accommodation for an object with a larger cross-sectional area to accommodation for an object with a smaller cross-sectional area. It will be appreciated, however, that with the actuating assembly 130 actuated, the mobile support unit 120 is free to move bi-directionally along the slot 115 so that adjustment can also be similarly made from accommodation for an object with a smaller cross-sectional area to accommodation for an object with a larger cross-sectional area.

[0028]FIGS. 5D and 6D show the adjustable holder 105 in a condition upon release of the actuating assembly 130. Once the user releases pressure from the actuating assembly 130, the rebounding force of the spring 140 causes the actuating assembly 130 to return to the position shown in FIG. 6D, which is the normal, unactuated position. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5D, the locking terminal 180 is pulled back up into alignment with the toothed portion of the slot 115. At this time, the teeth of the locking terminal 180 once again engage the teeth of the toothed portion of the slot 115 so as to prevent movement of the locking terminal 180 along the slot 115. Again, since the locking terminal 180 is somewhat fixed in relation to the mobile support unit 120, the mobile support unit 120 is therefore locked in position.

[0029] It is contemplated that the present invention is readily adapted to a variety of several alternative embodiments. For example, it will be appreciated that the actuating assembly 130 can be reconfigured to have the locking terminal 180 be lifted out of the slot 115 in order to free the mobile support unit 120 for adjustment rather than pushed through the slot 115 as described above. FIG. 7 shows one example of such an alternative actuating assembly 130′. The actuating assembly 130′ includes a locking arm 135, locking terminal 180, and catch 190 as described above. The actuating assembly 130′ also includes a shell 137′ having a flange 138 that serves as a lifting handle for a user. The actuating assembly 130′ also includes a compressed spring 140′, attached at its upper end to the locking arm 135, and having a spring catch 144 for attaching to a hook (not shown) on the mobile support unit 120 upon assembly.

[0030] The adjustable holder of the present invention provides a number of advantages and improvements over the prior art. These advantages and improvements include providing the user with an easier adjusting mechanism to operate. With the present invention, a user can make a complete adjustment with a single fluid motion, the single fluid motion being sufficient to unlock, adjust (reposition), and re-lock the mobile support unit 120. The present invention also provides improved reliability by providing a resilient locking device that automatically locks the mobile support into place. This relieves the user of the task of locking the mobile support into place, which in turn eliminates the risk of objects, such as cups, being dislodged due to the user overlooking this task.

[0031] While endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance, it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature, or combination of features, hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings, whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An adjustable holder comprising: a base having an upright support; a mobile support unit slideable along said base, the mobile support unit having a mobile support; and an actuating assembly having a resilient element, said actuating assembly operable to be moved between a normally locked position and an unlocked position, said resilient element for applying an urging pressure so as to retain said actuating assembly in said locked position wherein said actuating assembly prevents sliding of the mobile support unit along said base, wherein, in said unlocked position, said mobile support unit is allowed to slide along said base.
 2. An adjustable holder in accordance with claim 1, wherein the base has a slot formed therein.
 3. An adjustable holder in accordance with claim 2, wherein a portion of said slot is a toothed slot.
 4. An adjustable holder in accordance with claim 3, wherein the mobile support unit is slidably fixed in said slot.
 5. An adjustable holder in accordance with claim 4, wherein the mobile support unit includes a mobile platform and a rail having a flange extending laterally therefrom, wherein the rail extends through the slot between the mobile platform and the flange.
 6. An adjustable holder in accordance with claim 1, wherein the actuating assembly has a locking terminal.
 7. An adjustable holder in accordance with claim 6, wherein the base has a slot formed therein.
 8. An adjustable holder in accordance with claim 7, wherein in said locked position the locking terminal mates with said slot, thereby preventing the mobile support unit from sliding on said base.
 9. A holder in accordance with claim 8, wherein the mobile support unit includes an aperture, wherein the actuating assembly includes a locking arm extending through said aperture between the locking terminal and the resilient element.
 10. An adjustable holder in accordance with claim 9, wherein the resilient element is retained about said locking arm between said aperture and a ceiling of the actuating assembly.
 11. An adjustable holder in accordance with claim 10, wherein the resilient element is a spring.
 12. An adjustable holder in accordance with claim 8, wherein a portion of said slot is a toothed slot.
 13. An adjustable holder in accordance with claim 12, wherein the locking terminal has teeth suitable for mating with the toothed portion of said slot.
 14. An adjustable holder comprising: a base having a slot and an upright support; a mobile support unit slideable along said slot, the mobile support unit having a mobile support; and an actuating assembly slidably mounted on said mobile support unit having a locking terminal and a resilient element, said locking terminal arranged to move between a normally locked position and an unlocked position, said locking terminal for operably engaging said base along said slot when in said locked position so as to prevent sliding of the mobile support unit along said base, and said resilient element for applying an urging pressure so as to retain said locking terminal in said locked position, wherein, in said unlocked position, said locking terminal is moved out of engagement with the base so as to allow said mobile support unit to slide relative to said upright support.
 15. An adjustable holder in accordance with claim 14, wherein said locking terminal moves in said slot and engages said slot in the locked position.
 16. An adjustable holder in accordance with claim 15, wherein a portion of said slot is a toothed slot.
 17. An adjustable holder in accordance with claim 16, wherein the mobile support unit is slidably fixed in said slot.
 18. An adjustable holder in accordance with claim 17, wherein the mobile support unit includes a mobile platform and a rail having a flange extending laterally therefrom, wherein the rail extends through the slot between the mobile platform and the flange.
 19. An adjustable holder in accordance with claim 15, wherein the locking terminal has teeth suitable for mating with the toothed portion of said slot.
 20. An adjustable holder in accordance with claim 14, wherein the mobile support unit includes an aperture, wherein the actuating assembly includes a locking arm extending through said aperture between the locking terminal and the resilient element.
 21. An adjustable holder in accordance with claim 20, wherein the resilient element is retained about said locking arm between said aperture and a ceiling of the actuating assembly.
 22. An adjustable holder in accordance with claim 20, wherein the resilient element is a spring.
 23. An adjustable holder comprising: a base having a slot and an upright support; a mobile support unit slideable along said slot, the mobile support unit having a mobile support; an actuating assembly slidably mounted on said mobile support unit and arranged to move between a normally locked position and an unlocked position, the actuating assembly having a locking terminal mated with a portion of said slot when the actuating assembly is in said locked position so as to prevent sliding of the mobile support unit along said slot; and a resilient element for biasing said actuating assembly towards said locked position, wherein, in said unlocked position, said locking terminal is moved from said slot so as to allow said mobile support unit to slide along said slot.
 24. An adjustable holder in accordance with claim 23, wherein a portion of said slot is a toothed slot.
 25. An adjustable holder in accordance with claim 24, wherein the mobile support unit is slidably fixed in said slot.
 26. An adjustable holder in accordance with claim 25, wherein the mobile support unit includes a mobile platform and a rail having a flange extending laterally therefrom, wherein the rail extends through the slot between the mobile platform and the flange.
 27. An adjustable holder in accordance with claim 24, wherein the locking terminal has teeth suitable for mating with the toothed portion of said slot.
 28. An adjustable holder in accordance with claim 23, wherein the mobile support unit includes an aperture, wherein the actuating assembly includes a locking arm extending through said aperture between the locking terminal and the resilient element.
 29. An adjustable holder in accordance with claim 28, wherein the resilient element is retained about said locking arm between said aperture and a ceiling of the actuating assembly.
 30. An adjustable holder in accordance with claim 28, wherein the resilient element is a spring. 